Gallup: 47% of Americans Who Oppose Same-Sex Marriage Cite the Bible or Religion

(CNSNews.com) – A new survey by Gallup shows that religion or the Bible is a major factor behind opposition to same-sex marriage.

In this photo, Penelope Gnesin, seated, and Brenda Sue Fulton, a West Point graduate, hold hands during their wedding, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Amanda Fulton)

The poll found that 47 percent of people who oppose two men or two women marrying: cited “Religion” or that the “Bible says it is wrong” as explanations for why they oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Asked the question -- “What are some of the reasons you oppose same-sex marriage?” --about 20 percent said that marriage should be between one man and one woman.

Another 16 percent of those who opposed legal same-sex marriage opposed it because they thought marriage should be between a man and woman—as opposed to believing in the Bible or some other factor.

Only 5 percent of those who opposed legal same-sex marriages said was “unnatural” or “against the laws of nature.” Likewise, 5 percent said that it undermines “traditional family structure.”

Six percent said that civil unions are sufficient.

On the other hand, of those who support the legalization of same-sex marriage, 32 percent said that “it is a matter of equal rights,” according to Gallup.

All told, Gallup said, seven in 10 weekly church attenders don’t support legal same-sex marriage – and that seven and 10 people who seldom attend church support same-sex marriage.

The numbers come from a USA Today/Gallup poll conducted between Nov. 26-29. The results were based on polling of 1,015 adults over 18 via telephone interviews.

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